Hare coursing bill defeated, who was for and who was against:

So disappointing to see the party whip system in full flow today to ensure that my bill to ban live hare coursing would be defeated. This would have been a good opportunity for the new politics to get into action with a free vote. We continue to be ‘unique’ in an appalling way of being one of the 3 countries in Europe who allow this cruelty.There were 20 votes in favour of the ban and I thank the 20 members for their support. I am appalled at the statements from F.F. and S.F. regarding animal welfare. My question to them is how do they answer the documented proof from the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the wanton cruelty to the animals, to both hares and greyhounds but especially to the hares.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of e-mails, calls, facebook messages and even letters from people in support of the bill, especially people from rural Ireland who are totally opposed to live hare coursing and totally against the narrative being put forward that this is part of ‘the rural way of life’! It was great to see the protest outside the Dáil today (photo above) while the bill was being voted on, I thank all those who attended (and the amount of support from those who were driving passed was very unexpected!) I am also heartened by those T.D’s who have told me privately that they would have liked to support the bill – there will be another time and we will succeed in getting a ban on live hare coursing, a practice that sees the hares terrorised, mauled, tossed in the air, bones broken and put down.

mary foley

Beyond comprehension – the list of those blind to a small creature’s suffering. I have a tremendous urge right now to get the **** out of here, if this is the quality of our ‘leadership’.
To those that voted “Tá” – well done and, one day, the numbers, must surely be reversed…

Paul

Elena Duff

Maureen – many of the TDs voting for these bills take part in this sport. Is there any legal basis to disallow TDs with vested interests from voting? (TDs who are landlords blocking rent caps comes to mind as well)